Tuesday, 3 November 2026Lagos · LondonUpdated 20:42 GMT
In brief
DSS DG orders release of four men cleared of IPOB membership, approves ₦20 million compensation"Who is Peter Obi better than? Is he better than me or Pius Anyim?": Minister Dave Umahi questions Obi's political superiority"Go and work, I have children to take care of!": GehGeh sends strong message to his siblings and criticsEFCC uncovers suspected illegal oil refinery allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in Ogun StateSanusi urges Tinubu government to stop treating talk of poverty as an attackAtiku accuses DSS of plotting to disrupt ADC rally as Sokoto seals party officeEl-Rufai tells supporters to vote ADC at every level in 2027Former FCT minister Jumoke Akinjide returns to politics, backs Tinubu and APC in OyoFans raise concern over Doris Ogala's health in detention after medical report surfacesDSS DG orders release of four men cleared of IPOB membership, approves ₦20 million compensation"Who is Peter Obi better than? Is he better than me or Pius Anyim?": Minister Dave Umahi questions Obi's political superiority"Go and work, I have children to take care of!": GehGeh sends strong message to his siblings and criticsEFCC uncovers suspected illegal oil refinery allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in Ogun StateSanusi urges Tinubu government to stop treating talk of poverty as an attackAtiku accuses DSS of plotting to disrupt ADC rally as Sokoto seals party officeEl-Rufai tells supporters to vote ADC at every level in 2027Former FCT minister Jumoke Akinjide returns to politics, backs Tinubu and APC in OyoFans raise concern over Doris Ogala's health in detention after medical report surfaces
DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi has ordered the release of four men arrested in Bayelsa State in May 2022 over alleged IPOB membership, after they were cleared. He approved an initial ₦20 million compensation, ₦5 million for each of them.
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The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the release of four men who had been accused of belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Who they are
The four men, Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry, were arrested in May 2022 in the Sampou and Akeddei communities of Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. That means they spent about four and a half years in custody before their release.
₦5 million each
After they were cleared of the allegations, the DG approved an initial compensation package of ₦20 million, with each man receiving ₦5 million. The men are also expected to receive psychological and medical support and help returning to normal life.
Security sources said investigations showed the men had been lured by people claiming to be IPOB members, who promised them ₦100,000 a month under the Federal Government's Amnesty Programme.
"Where we admit our mistakes, we offer compensation, and seek ways to improve operations in tandem with the rule of law," Ajayi said. One of the freed men, Emele Uduma Ibe, described the day as the happiest of his life.
Not the first time
This is not the first such case under Ajayi. After he took office in 2024, he ordered a review of more than 300 inherited terrorism cases. Others who have since been compensated include a Jos businessman shot in error by DSS personnel, who received ₦20 million, and several people cleared of IPOB ties who received between ₦5 million and ₦10 million.
Can money repair the damage?
For anyone who has spent years in detention over an allegation they did not commit, freedom alone may not be enough to repair the damage. There is the emotional suffering, the disruption of family life, the loss of income and the stigma that often follows such accusations.
The ₦5 million payment may provide some financial relief, but it cannot replace the time lost.
Still, the decision sends an important message about accountability within Nigeria's security system. Security agencies have a duty to investigate threats to national security and protect citizens, but that duty must be carried out within the law and with respect for the rights of people who have not been convicted of any offence.
Many Nigerians will be watching to see whether similar attention is given to other people who may have been wrongly accused or detained, especially given the controversies around IPOB-linked arrests in the South-East and South-South.
The bigger question remains: if someone is arrested, detained and later cleared of wrongdoing, should compensation automatically follow? What do you think about the DSS Director-General's decision?
The four men were arrested in Bayelsa State in May 2022.Each will receive ₦5 million, described as an initial payment, plus medical and psychological support.The DG has ordered compensation in several earlier wrongful-arrest cases.
Minister of Works David Umahi has reportedly questioned why Peter Obi should be seen as politically superior to other leaders, asking whether Obi is better than him or former Senate President Pius Anyim. The remarks have revived an old debate in the South-East about leadership and who deserves national support.
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Nigeria's political arguments have taken another interesting turn after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, questioned why former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi should be considered politically superior to other prominent leaders in the country.
What Umahi said
In remarks attributed to him, Umahi reportedly asked a direct question: "Who is Peter Obi better than? Is he better than me? Is he better than Anyim Pius Anyim?"
The comments have brought an old political argument back into focus, particularly in the South-East, where debates about leadership, political experience and who deserves national support continue to divide opinion.
The three men
Umahi is a former governor of Ebonyi State and now serves as Minister of Works. Anyim Pius Anyim is a former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Both have held important positions in Nigeria.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party's presidential candidate in 2023, has built a strong following, particularly among young Nigerians who see him as an alternative to the traditional political establishment.
What makes one politician better than another?
Umahi's reported remarks raise a fair question. Is it the number of offices someone has held? The projects completed while in government? Or should Nigerians judge leaders by their integrity, performance, accountability and ability to improve ordinary people's lives?
All three men have political records that Nigerians can examine, and perhaps that is where the real argument should begin.
Rather than letting politicians decide who is superior through public arguments, Nigerians should be the ones examining their achievements and deciding who deserves their confidence.
Over to you
Between Peter Obi, David Umahi and Pius Anyim, who has shown the kind of leadership Nigeria needs today? Share your thoughts on their records, achievements and political contributions.
2027 electionsReported
Photo: Nosa Asemota / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Former Minister of State for the FCT Jumoke Akinjide has reportedly announced her return to active politics, declaring support for President Tinubu and the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli. She was previously a PDP figure.
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Former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has announced her return to active politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, and has thrown her weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement
In a statement issued on her behalf by her special assistant, Olatundun Gabriel, on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Akinjide's team thanked her supporters for their loyalty and patience and said a new phase of political engagement had begun. The statement reportedly declared her support for President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda and for the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli. Her team urged supporters across the state to stay united as she resumes political activity.
Background
Akinjide served as Minister of State for the FCT under President Goodluck Jonathan and was a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State. Her move adds to a series of political realignments in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde is completing his second term and is now the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement. Several officials have recently left Makinde's government, including a commissioner and two other appointees who resigned on Monday.
Why it matters
Oyo is one of the largest states in the South West, and the governorship seat will be open in 2027. The APC hopes defections like Akinjide's will help it win back the state, while the PDP and other parties insist they remain strong.
2027 electionsReported
Stock image: National Museum of American History / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, led by Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has reportedly launched its Ogun chapter and donated 26 vehicles for grassroots campaigning. Ogun APC governorship candidate Solomon Adeola said stakeholders are targeting two million votes for Tinubu.
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A pro-Tinubu campaign group backed by former Niger Delta militant leader Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has launched its Ogun State chapter and donated 26 campaign vehicles, according to reports.
The launch
The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement held the inauguration on Friday, 30 October 2026, at the Ake Palace Arcade in Abeokuta, attended by politicians, government officials and supporters of President Bola Tinubu. Representing Tompolo, High Chief Kestin Pondi, managing director of Tantita Security Services, said the vehicles would be deployed across Ogun State's 26 constituencies for community outreach and voter mobilisation. He described the President's economic reforms as important steps for national development.
What was said
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised the movement's contribution to political engagement in the state. The APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, said political stakeholders were aiming to deliver at least two million votes for Tinubu in Ogun in the 2027 presidential election. The movement's national coordinator, Sunday Asuku, said it would work with other support groups.
Background
Tompolo's company, Tantita Security Services, holds a federal contract to protect oil pipelines in the Niger Delta, and the government credits it with helping to reduce oil theft. Ogun is the home state of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and borders Lagos, Tinubu's political base. APC supporters say such groups help the party reach voters at the grassroots.
Nollywood & celebsReported
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Actor Femi Adebayo has announced that the cinema at his new Euphoria 360 Hub in Lagos opens on Saturday, 7 November. The first 15 guests will be invited to the premiere of 'Jagun Jagun 2', and 45 more will get a free movie with popcorn and drinks.
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Nollywood actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo is set to open the cinema at his newly launched Euphoria 360 Hub in Lagos, and he is offering free treats to the first visitors.
The offer
In a video posted on Monday, 2 November 2026, Adebayo invited the public to the opening on Saturday, 7 November, at 6pm. He said the first 15 people to arrive would receive invitations to the premiere of his upcoming film 'Jagun Jagun 2', scheduled for 2 December. A further 45 people would get to watch a movie for free, with complimentary popcorn and drinks.
Stars expected
According to the actor, guests will be able to watch alongside some well-known entertainers, including actress Bimbo Ademoye and actor Timini Egbuson.
Background
Femi Adebayo is one of Nollywood's leading actors and producers. His epic 'Jagun Jagun', released on Netflix in 2023, became one of the platform's most-watched Nigerian titles, and a sequel has been widely anticipated. He also produced and starred in the hit film 'King of Thieves'. The Euphoria 360 Hub adds to a growing number of entertainment venues opened by Nigerian filmmakers looking to bring audiences closer to their work. The actor was among the Nollywood stars who attended the opening of Sola Sobowale's elderly care home in Ibadan this week.
How fans reacted
Many fans said they would turn up early to secure a place, while others congratulated the actor on the new venture.
Social media personality and financial adviser GehGeh has told his brothers and sisters to work hard and stop depending entirely on him, saying he has children to care for. His message has reopened a familiar debate about the pressure Nigerian families put on relatives who become successful.
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Popular Nigerian social media personality and financial adviser GehGeh has stirred reactions online after sending a strong message to his family members and to those who believe he should carry the financial responsibilities of everyone around him.
"Go and work"
Speaking openly about the pressure that comes with financial success, GehGeh made it clear that having money does not mean one person should become the permanent provider for an entire family.
According to him, his brothers and sisters must learn to work hard and take responsibility for their own lives rather than depending entirely on him.
"If you're my brother or my sister, go and work. Don't depend only on me because I have children I need to take care of. I can't do more than my power for family members," he said.
A familiar Nigerian story
His message touches on something many Nigerians can relate to, especially those who have become financially stable while other relatives continue to struggle.
In many families, once one person starts making money, expectations begin to grow. School fees, house rent, feeding allowances, business capital and even personal expenses suddenly become that person's responsibility. Sometimes the demands never seem to end.
Drawing the line
GehGeh appears determined to draw a line. He did not suggest that helping relatives is wrong, but his message was clear: family support should have limits, particularly when someone has children and responsibilities of their own.
His remarks also highlight the pressure successful people face from relatives who believe family ties automatically guarantee financial support.
Family members should help one another whenever they can. But should one person's success become an excuse for everyone else to stop trying?
Over to you
Is GehGeh being too harsh on his family, or is he simply saying what many successful people are afraid to tell their relatives?
The EFCC has uncovered a suspected illegal oil refinery in Ogere, Ogun State, allegedly linked to Chinese nationals. No one was found on the premises during the raid, but investigators discovered underground tanks holding a substance suspected to be diesel.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a suspected illegal oil refinery in Ogere, Ogun State, allegedly linked to Chinese nationals.
The discovery has raised fresh concerns about illegal petroleum processing in Nigeria, especially the possibility that some operations are running quietly in places far from the country's major oil-producing areas.
The raid
According to reports, EFCC operatives raided the facility on Saturday, 31 October 2026, but nobody was found on the premises when they arrived.
During the operation, investigators discovered underground storage tanks holding substances suspected to be diesel, suggesting the site may have been used for petroleum processing and storage.
Sludge oil from Warri and Port Harcourt
Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that sludge oil was transported from Warri in Delta State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State to the Ogun State facility, where it was allegedly processed into petroleum products.
That detail raises an important question: how was petroleum waste moved across several states to a facility allegedly operating outside the law without attracting the attention of the relevant authorities?
Questions for investigators
Given the size and nature of such an operation, investigators will also need to establish how long the facility had been running, who financed it and whether other individuals or companies were involved.
The EFCC has reportedly taken control of the premises while investigations continue to identify those responsible, including the alleged owners and operators.
Although Chinese nationals have been linked to the facility, the identities of those involved have not been publicly established, and the allegations remain under investigation.
A wider problem
For many Nigerians, the discovery points to a familiar and troubling issue. While the country continues to battle crude oil theft, illegal refining and lost revenue in the petroleum sector, questions remain about how such operations are set up and kept running.
The authorities are now expected to determine the full extent of what went on at the Ogere facility and whether any laws were broken.
The big question
Who owns this refinery, how long has it been operating, and who has been supplying the materials used there?
As the EFCC investigation continues, Nigerians will be watching to see whether those behind the suspected operation are identified and brought before the law.
PoliticsReported
Stock image: Kabusa16 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II has reportedly told the Tinubu administration to stop issuing statements from the Villa against people who raise concerns about poverty. He said Nigeria was close to hyperinflation in 2023, but that critics of hardship are not enemies of the President.
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The Emir of Kano and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged President Bola Tinubu's government to listen to concerns about poverty rather than treating critics as enemies.
What he said
Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank conference convened by former World Bank vice-president Arunma Oteh, in comments reported on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Sanusi reportedly said the government's habit of issuing statements from the Presidential Villa to condemn people who raise economic concerns was counterproductive. He argued that citizens who talk about poverty are not attacking the President personally, and that the government should distinguish between criticism and hostility.
On the economy
Sanusi also said Nigeria was dangerously close to economic collapse in 2023 and on the verge of hyperinflation, a view he said he had held and expressed at the time. His comments suggest he sees the need for reform, while insisting that the hardship many people feel should be acknowledged.
Background
Sanusi was CBN governor from 2009 to 2014 and is a well-known commentator on the economy. He was reinstated as Emir of Kano in 2024. The Tinubu government removed the petrol subsidy and unified exchange rates in 2023, and says these moves rescued the economy, pointing to falling inflation and rising reserves. Critics, including investment banker Atedo Peterside this week, say the poor have become poorer. Presidency officials have often responded sharply to such criticism, accusing some critics of playing politics ahead of 2027.
What happens next
The Presidency had not responded to Sanusi's comments at the time of reporting.
Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai has reportedly directed his supporters to back the African Democratic Congress in all elections in 2027. The message was delivered by an ally at a coalition meeting in Kaduna.
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Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has instructed his supporters to vote for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at every level in the 2027 elections, according to a close ally.
The message
Hajiya Hafsat Baba, the ADC's national vice-chairman for the North-West, reportedly conveyed the message at a meeting in Kaduna that brought together various El-Rufai support groups. She said the directive had been verified by El-Rufai himself and covered federal, state and local elections. The meeting was held to unite the groups and coordinate their activities ahead of the polls.
'Base still strong'
Another ally, Ibrahim Hussaini, rejected claims that El-Rufai had lost his political base, saying his loyalists remain strong across Kaduna State and the wider North.
Background
El-Rufai served two terms as governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023 as a member of the APC and was a key figure in President Bola Tinubu's 2023 campaign. He later fell out with the party and joined the opposition coalition that adopted the ADC, which has fielded former vice-president Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate. His relationship with his successor, Governor Uba Sani of the APC, has been tense. El-Rufai has also been involved in legal disputes in recent months and has appealed for a fair trial.
Why it matters
Kaduna is one of the most populous states in the North-West, a region with a large share of Nigeria's voters. The APC says it remains strong in the state, while the ADC hopes El-Rufai's support will help it make gains there.
Anambra governor Charles Soludo has reportedly said Peter Obi's wife is godmother to one of his children, and his own wife is confirmation godmother to Obi's daughter. He said their political differences have not broken their friendship.
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Anambra State governor Charles Soludo has spoken about his close family ties with former governor and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, despite their recent political differences.
What he said
In an interview with a BBC Igbo-language service on Monday, 2 November 2026, Soludo reportedly said that Obi's wife, Margaret, is the godmother of one of his children, and that his own wife, Nonye, is the confirmation godmother of Obi's daughter. He described Obi as a close friend and said no political disagreement had been enough to break the bond between their families.
Their differences
Soludo said the two men had disagreed on political matters, mainly over who should govern Anambra State. Their relationship became a subject of public debate after a dispute in September, and Soludo has said that his party, APGA, would not automatically support Obi's presidential bid. Soludo has also said he backs President Bola Tinubu for 2027.
Background
Obi governed Anambra from 2006 to 2014 as a member of APGA, the same party on which Soludo was elected in 2021. Both men are among the most prominent politicians in the South East. Soludo's son, Ozonna, recently released a song supporting the NDC, which drew attention because of his father's backing for Tinubu.
How people reacted
Many people welcomed the comments as a sign that politics should not destroy friendships, while others said the two men's public differences were more important for voters.
PoliticsReported
Stock image: Kabusa16 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lere Olayinka, an aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has reportedly questioned how young Nigerians describe the level of hardship, pointing to ongoing construction as a sign of economic activity. His comments drew criticism online.
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Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has sparked debate with comments on poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
What he said
Appearing on a television politics programme, in comments reported on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Olayinka reportedly pushed back against what he described as the narrative of widespread poverty and hunger promoted by young Nigerians, often referred to as Gen Z. While he acknowledged that people were facing economic pressure, he pointed to private building projects and construction in communities as signs that economic activity was continuing. He said there is hunger, but people are still building houses.
How people reacted
Many social media users criticised the comments, saying they showed officials were out of touch with ordinary people struggling with high food and transport costs. Others agreed that the economy was not as bad as some critics suggest and said the government's reforms needed time.
Background
The cost of living is one of the most debated issues ahead of the 2027 elections. On the same day, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, urged the government to stop treating talk of poverty as an attack, while investment banker Atedo Peterside said the reforms were making the rich richer and the poor poorer. The government points to falling inflation, a stronger stock market and higher reserves as signs of progress. Wike, a former PDP governor of Rivers State, is a key ally of President Bola Tinubu and leads the Rainbow Coalition backing his re-election.
Nollywood & celebsReported
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Veteran actress Sola Sobowale has opened Joseph and Esther Homes, a residential care facility for older adults in Akobo, Ibadan. Governor Seyi Makinde commissioned the home, with Nollywood stars in attendance.
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Veteran Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale has opened a residential care home for older people in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The opening
Oyo governor Seyi Makinde formally commissioned the facility, named Joseph and Esther Homes, on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. Located in the Akobo area of Ibadan, it is designed to give older adults a safe and supportive place where they can live independently while receiving professional care. The governor toured the indoor and outdoor areas and cut the ribbon.
The idea behind it
The home operates under the motto 'Live Well, Age Well, Thrive Together'. Its organisers say it is meant to complement family care rather than replace it, helping families look after their elderly relatives better. Formal care homes are still uncommon in Nigeria, where older people have traditionally been cared for at home by relatives.
Who attended
Sobowale welcomed guests alongside veteran actor Adebayo Salami. Other Nollywood figures at the event included Kunle Afolayan, Femi Adebayo and Ibrahim Chatta. The launch was streamed live on the actress's Instagram page.
Background
Sola Sobowale is one of Nollywood's most respected actresses, known for her role in the 'King of Boys' films and decades of work in Yoruba and English-language cinema.
How people reacted
Fans praised the project, saying it addresses a growing need as more young Nigerians move to cities or abroad, leaving ageing parents behind.
Music
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Rapper Odumodublvck has claimed on a podcast that some Nigerian artists resort to spiritual practices to get hit songs, without naming anyone or giving evidence. He praised Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido for delivering hits for years.
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Rapper Odumodublvck, real name Tochukwu Ojogwu, has made a controversial claim about how some musicians chase success in Nigeria's competitive music industry.
What he said
Speaking on a podcast, in comments shared on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the rapper said getting a hit song is not easy and that some people even turn to spiritual practices, popularly called 'jazz', to get one. He said this is why some artists appear to struggle badly when they cannot get a hit. He did not name any artist or provide evidence for the claim.
Praise for the big three
Odumodublvck praised Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido, saying their ability to release successful songs consistently for years deserves respect. He noted that some artists never get a single hit in their entire careers.
Background
Odumodublvck rose to fame with his 2023 hit 'Declan Rice' and is known for bold statements. Earlier this week he drew mockery after claiming that Nigerians did not know Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice until he released the song. Claims about artists using spiritual help for success are a long-running topic of gossip in Nigerian entertainment, but they are rarely backed by evidence.
How people reacted
Fans were divided. Some said the claim reflected what many people already suspect, while others accused the rapper of spreading rumours and said hard work and talent explain most hits.
ADC candidate Atiku Abubakar has alleged that the DSS is recruiting protesters to disrupt his party's rally in Sokoto. Separately, the Sokoto government sealed an ADC campaign office, saying the building's ownership was unclear and citing a disturbance.
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Tension is rising in Sokoto State ahead of a planned campaign rally by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar accusing the Department of State Services (DSS) of plotting to disrupt it.
Atiku's allegation
In a statement on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Atiku alleged that the leadership of the DSS was recruiting people to stage protests in Sokoto in order to create disorder. He claimed hired protesters were being gathered at an office on Koko Road and sent out in trucks to key locations in the city. He also said public facilities had been blocked and logistical support withheld to frustrate the ADC's campaign, and warned that security officials who help suppress political freedom would be held to account under the law. He said the rally would go ahead. The DSS had not responded publicly to the claims at the time of reporting.
Campaign office sealed
Separately, the Sokoto State Government sealed an ADC campaign office on Ahmadu Bello Way on Monday, 2 November. Commissioner for Land and Housing Nasiru Dantsoho said records showed the building, once used by the defunct Savannah Bank and previously by the PDP, still belonged to the bank, and that the state had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation to clarify its ownership. He said the premises were sealed after a disturbance involving party supporters and others, to prevent further trouble. A media aide to the ADC governorship candidate confirmed the closure.
Background
Sokoto is governed by the APC. Opposition parties have complained of attacks and obstacles to their campaigns in several states, and an ADC candidate's convoy was attacked in Sokoto in recent weeks. The APC and state governments have generally denied using state agencies against opponents.
What happens next
Security agencies are expected to be on alert as the ADC presses ahead with its rally.
Nollywood & celebs
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A medical report shared online says actress and governorship aspirant Doris Ogala was treated for severe anaemia linked to a fibroid condition earlier this year, raising concern among supporters about her health in detention. Her bail ruling is due on 6 November.
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Supporters of actress and governorship aspirant Doris Ogala have raised concerns about her health while she remains in detention, after a medical report about her condition was shared online on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
The medical report
According to reports, the document from the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia, dated 5 June 2026, shows that she was treated for severe anaemia linked to a fibroid condition, following an earlier surgical procedure in 2025. The report reportedly says she was admitted, treated and discharged after significant improvement, and was advised to avoid strenuous activity for six months and attend regular follow-up appointments. Reports claim she has been experiencing renewed bleeding while in detention, but this has not been independently confirmed.
How people reacted
Fans and supporters took to social media to express worry and call for her release on health grounds. Some urged the authorities to ensure she receives proper medical care while her case continues.
Background
Doris Ogala, 30, is a Nollywood actress and a governorship candidate of the African Action Congress. She was remanded in custody last month in a case linked to her dispute with Pastor Chris Okafor, which arose from social media posts. The AAC's presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and other supporters have condemned her detention. A court is due to rule on her bail application on 6 November.
What happens next
Her lawyers are expected to raise her health when the court considers her bail application.
TV presenter Rufai Oseni has reportedly hit back at Works Minister Dave Umahi, who called Peter Obi a 'nobody' and described himself as the Lion of the South East. Oseni said Umahi should first run for president and win at least six million votes.
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Television presenter Rufai Oseni has responded sharply to Minister of Works Dave Umahi's recent comments about NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.
What Umahi said
At an APC town hall in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Monday, 2 November 2026, Umahi reportedly questioned Obi's political relevance, described him as a 'nobody' and called himself the 'Lion of the South East'. He has also asked what makes Obi better than past South East leaders such as Sam Egwu and Anyim Pius Anyim, and has argued that the region should back President Bola Tinubu so that an Igbo candidate can later get eight years rather than four.
Oseni's response
Speaking on his breakfast television programme on Tuesday, 3 November, Oseni reportedly said self-given titles mean little without results. He said that before Umahi can compare himself with Obi, he should obtain a presidential nomination form, contest a general election and win at least six million votes, roughly the number Obi received in the 2023 presidential election.
Background
Umahi, a former two-term governor of Ebonyi State, is a leading APC figure in the South East and has campaigned hard for Tinubu's re-election. Obi, a former Anambra governor, came third in the 2023 presidential election as the Labour Party candidate and is now running on the NDC ticket with Rabiu Kwankwaso. The South East is seen as an important battleground in 2027, and four governors from the zone recently declared support for Tinubu.
How people reacted
Obi's supporters cheered Oseni's comments, while APC supporters said Umahi's record as governor and minister speaks for itself.
PoliticsReported
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Oyo's Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, a special adviser and an electoral commission member reportedly resigned on Monday. One said he was no longer comfortable with the working environment, adding to a wave of departures before 2027.
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Three officials serving in Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's administration resigned on Monday, 2 November 2026, according to reports, in the latest of a series of departures from the state government.
Who resigned
Those who left were reportedly the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Ojo; the Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning, Adegbola Oyeleke; and Sunday Falana, a member of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission. Ojo, who is from Ago-Are in Atisbo Local Government Area, submitted his letter through the Secretary to the State Government, said his exit was with immediate effect and thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, without giving a reason. Oyeleke reportedly said he was no longer comfortable with the working environment in the administration.
Background
Makinde is serving his second and final term as governor and is now the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for 2027. Several officials have left his government in recent months as politicians reposition ahead of the elections, with some moving to rival parties. The governor has not publicly commented on the latest resignations.
Why it matters
The departures come as Makinde campaigns nationally, including in the South East, and as parties compete for control of Oyo State, where the governorship seat will be open in 2027.
SportReported
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For the first time since the award began in 2001, no Nigerian player is on CAF's shortlist for Women's Player of the Year. The Super Falcons are still nominated for National Team of the Year, and three Nigerians made other lists.
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Nigeria has no player on the shortlist for the 2026 CAF Women's Player of the Year award, the first time the country has been left out since the prize was introduced in 2001, according to reports.
The nominees
The Confederation of African Football released the nominations this week. The list includes Malawian sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, Cameroon's Marie Ngah Manga, Michaely Bihina and Monique Ngock, Zambia's Barbra Banda, South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana, Morocco's Hanane Ait El Haj, Algeria's Marine Dafeur and Ghana's Portia Boakye.
Nigerians on other lists
Nigeria still features in other categories. The Super Falcons were shortlisted for Women's National Team of the Year, Janet Akekoromowei and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi were nominated for the young talent award, and Edo Queens goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma is among the contenders for Goalkeeper of the Year.
Background
Nigerian players have dominated the award over the years, with Asisat Oshoala winning it a record six times. The omission follows a disappointing 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the Super Falcons and their failure to qualify for the Women's World Cup for the first time. The team only this week received the cash rewards promised for winning the previous WAFCON.
What happens next
The 2026 CAF Awards will be held on 7 December at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos.
World & WestReported
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Portugal has approved regulations to apply its amended nationality law, which raises the minimum legal residence for citizenship from five to 10 years for nationals of countries including Nigeria. EU and Portuguese-speaking nationals face seven years.
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Portugal is moving ahead with stricter citizenship rules that will double the waiting time for Nigerians and many other foreign residents, according to reports.
What changed
Portugal's Council of Ministers approved regulations on 29 October 2026 to put the country's amended Nationality Law into effect. Under the revised law, the minimum period of legal residence before applying for citizenship rises from five to 10 years for nationals of countries including Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Citizens of European Union countries and of Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe and Mozambique will have a seven-year route. The regulations also set out how language skills, cultural knowledge and financial independence will be assessed.
Not yet final
As of 2 November, the implementing decree had reportedly not yet been published in the official gazette, so some details of how the rules will apply remain unclear.
Background
Portugal has become a popular destination for migrants, including Nigerians, because of its relatively open residence routes. The government says the changes are meant to strengthen integration, while critics say they will make life harder for long-term residents. Hundreds of thousands of citizenship applications are reportedly waiting to be processed.
Why it matters
The change is the latest in a series of tighter immigration rules in Europe. This week the UK also confirmed a 10-year route to settlement for most lower-paid migrants.
The naira lost about 1.3% against the dollar in October, ending three months of gains, as festive-season demand and dollar shortages pressured the market. The CBN injected nearly $2 billion but reportedly met demand fully in only two of five interventions.
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Nigeria's currency has come under fresh pressure as businesses scramble for dollars ahead of the festive season, according to market data reported on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
The numbers
The naira closed October at ₦1,346.91 per dollar on the official market, compared with ₦1,329.50 at the end of September, a fall of about 1.31 per cent. It was the first monthly decline after three consecutive months of gains. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reportedly injected about $1.98 billion into the market during the month, but demand was fully met in only two of its five interventions.
Why it is happening
Importers, manufacturers and traders typically need more foreign currency towards the end of the year to bring in goods for Christmas and New Year sales. Analysts say this seasonal demand, combined with limited dollar inflows, is putting pressure on the naira.
What it means
A weaker naira raises the cost of imported goods and raw materials, which can push up prices for consumers. The CBN says stronger dollar inflows from oil exports, foreign investment and remittances are key to keeping the currency stable.
Background
The naira has been more stable in recent months after sharp falls in 2023 and 2024 following the unification of exchange rates. Foreign reserves have risen to their highest level in years, and inflation has fallen. The government points to these gains as evidence that its reforms are working, while critics say ordinary Nigerians are still struggling with high prices.
American hip-hop artist Rayven Tyler has sparked conversation about relationships after saying that dating women has helped her understand some of the challenges men face in romantic relationships, and apologising to men.
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American hip-hop artist Rayven Tyler has sparked conversation about relationships after sharing her experience of dating women and admitting that she now understands some of the challenges men face.
What she said
According to the artist, her personal experiences have given her a different perspective on dating, and made her appreciate what many men go through when trying to keep their relationships going.
"After dating women for so long, I just want to say I get it now, men, and I'm sorry. Now I know what you guys are passing through," she reportedly said.
Why it struck a chord
For years, men have complained about the pressures they face in relationships, from managing emotional expectations to dealing with misunderstandings and trying to keep their partners happy.
Tyler's statement suggests that her own dating experiences have helped her see some of those complaints from a different angle. What makes her comments particularly interesting is that she is speaking from her own experience of dating women, a perspective that has drawn plenty of attention.
Her remarks have opened a wider discussion about emotional expectations, communication and the difficulties that sometimes come with understanding a partner.
Every relationship is different
Relationship experiences differ from person to person, and her comments reflect her own perspective rather than the behaviour of all women.
Over to you
Does dating women give women a better understanding of what men experience in relationships, or does everything depend on the individual involved?
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels seems to be gradually getting back to her usual self, judging by a new video she shared on Snapchat. She appeared cheerful and relaxed in the clip, although she has not given any detailed update on her situation.
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Nollywood actress Regina Daniels seems to be gradually getting back to her usual self, judging by a new video she shared on Snapchat this morning.
The new video
The actress, who has been attracting a lot of public attention lately, appeared in the fresh clip looking cheerful and relaxed. The video, posted from Abuja in the early hours of 3 November, shows her in a black and pink outfit, moving casually at home.
No detailed update yet
Regina has not given any detailed update about her current situation. Even so, her latest appearance suggests she may be in better spirits, and many fans have welcomed seeing her looking more like herself again.
What comes next
Regina Daniels has been one of Nollywood's most talked-about stars since she rose to fame as a child actress, and her personal life has often drawn as much attention as her films. Fans will certainly be watching to see what comes next as she continues to share glimpses of her life on social media.
Controversial relationship therapist Blessing CEO has shared an emotional message of regret, apologising to people she may have offended in the past. She described herself as broken and compared her journey to the biblical story of the prodigal son.
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Controversial relationship therapist Blessing CEO has shared an emotional message of regret, apologising to people she may have offended through her words and actions in the past.
"I now understand the pain I once mocked"
In her statement, Blessing admitted that she once spoke carelessly about people's struggles without fully understanding what they were going through. Now, according to her, life has placed her in a position where she can finally relate to some of that pain.
She described herself as emotionally broken, saying her present struggles have left her feeling lost and surrounded by darkness.
Like the prodigal son
Blessing also compared her situation to the biblical story of the prodigal son, who returned home after going through difficult experiences.
Her words suggest a period of deep personal reflection, as she acknowledges past mistakes and expresses a desire to make peace with those she may have hurt.
A change in tone
For someone who built a reputation on speaking boldly about relationships, personal struggles and other people's choices, this public apology marks a noticeable change in tone.
Sometimes, life has a way of teaching people lessons they once thought they already understood.
Over to you
Has Blessing CEO genuinely turned a new leaf, or is this another emotional chapter in her controversial public life?
What do you think?
SportReported
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Players of the Super Falcons have reportedly started receiving the naira equivalent of $100,000 each, the reward President Tinubu promised after their record 10th WAFCON title. Members of the technical crew are getting $50,000 each.
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Members of Nigeria's Super Falcons have reportedly begun receiving the cash reward promised by President Bola Tinubu after the team won the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
What happened
According to reports, two players and a member of the technical crew confirmed that their accounts were credited on Monday, 2 November 2026. Each of the 24 players is said to have received the naira equivalent of $100,000, about ₦140 million, while each of the 11 members of the technical crew received the naira equivalent of $50,000. One player reportedly said she was grateful that the promise had finally been kept.
Other rewards
Apart from the cash, the President also approved national honours and three-bedroom apartments for the players and officials after the victory.
Background
The Super Falcons won a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco in July 2025, coming from behind to beat the hosts in the final. The tournament, originally scheduled for 2024, was held a year later but kept its 2024 name. The win was celebrated across Nigeria, and the team was received by the President at the State House, where the rewards were announced. Delays in paying promised bonuses to national teams have been a long-running complaint in Nigerian sport, and some fans had questioned whether this reward would ever be paid.
How people reacted
Fans welcomed the news, saying the players deserved the money and calling on the government to pay other national teams promptly in future. Others said the long delay showed the need for clear and timely reward systems.
Cooking gas prices at major Lagos depots reportedly rose by between ₦140 and ₦200 per kilogram between 30 October and 2 November. Navgas listed the highest price at ₦1,450 per kg, while Dangote had the lowest at ₦1,050.
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Nigerians are facing higher cooking gas costs after depot prices at major suppliers in Lagos rose sharply in just three days, according to a price review published on Monday, 2 November 2026.
The new prices
All five monitored Lagos depots reportedly raised their prices between 30 October and 2 November, with increases of ₦140 to ₦200 per kilogram. Navgas recorded the steepest rise, from ₦1,250 to ₦1,450 per kg, an increase of 16 per cent. 11Plc and Nipco both moved from ₦1,225 to ₦1,390 per kg, while Techno Oil and Rain Oil went from ₦1,200 to ₦1,370 per kg. Dangote's depot price was the lowest among those monitored, at ₦1,050 per kg.
What it means for households
Depot prices feed directly into what retailers charge for refilling cylinders, so consumers are likely to pay more in the coming days. A 12.5kg cylinder, the size used by many families, could cost roughly ₦2,000 more to refill at these depot rates. Clean cooking advocates warned that rising gas costs are pushing some households back to firewood and charcoal, which are cheaper but cause indoor air pollution and deforestation.
Background
Cooking gas prices in Nigeria have been volatile over the past two years, affected by exchange rates, supply problems and international prices. The government has encouraged wider use of liquefied petroleum gas as a cleaner alternative to kerosene and firewood. The Dangote refinery has also become a major supplier, and its prices have often been lower than those of other depots.
What happens next
Marketers say prices will depend on supply and global market conditions in the coming weeks.
Nollywood & celebs
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Relationship influencer Blessing CEO has shared an emotional video apologising to everyone she has hurt with her words, saying she now feels the pain she once spoke about carelessly. She is mourning her nine-year-old son, who died while she was in custody.
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Social media personality Nkiru Blessing Okoro, known as Blessing CEO, has issued an emotional public apology, weeks after the death of her nine-year-old son.
The video
In a video posted on Instagram on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the relationship influencer was seen crying inside a parked car. She said she had gone there because she did not want her mother to see her in that state. She described feeling confused, numb, broken and surrounded by darkness, and said she was so exhausted that she needed people to pray for her.
Her apology
Blessing CEO apologised to everyone she had hurt with her words and actions, saying she had spoken carelessly about pain she had never experienced and could now feel the pain she once mocked. She said she was only human and bound to make mistakes, and compared herself to the prodigal son returning home. She also thanked those who still love her and apologised to those who no longer do.
Background
Her son, Bryan, died from an asthma attack while she was being held in custody in Lagos, according to reports. She was later released on bail and is facing a court case, which is still ongoing. Since her release she has spoken about her ordeal and denied rumours about drug use. Before her troubles, she was known for strong and often controversial relationship advice online, which drew both followers and critics.
How people reacted
Many social media users expressed sympathy and prayed for her healing, while some said her apology showed growth. Others urged people to stop mocking her and to respect a grieving mother.
SportReported
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Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has reportedly said he has never missed paying tithe since his first salary in 2005, even when he earned $642,000 a month in Saudi Arabia. His comments have divided opinion online.
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Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has started a lively online debate after speaking about his long commitment to paying tithes.
What he said
In a podcast-style interview, reportedly shared on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Ighalo said he began paying tithe in 2005 when he received his first professional salary of ₦15,000, after his pastor introduced him to the practice, and that he has not missed it since. He admitted that the habit became harder when his income grew. When he was earning a reported $642,000 a month in Saudi Arabia, about ₦900 million at today's exchange rate, he said he thought about it for around a month before deciding to continue paying 10 per cent. He said some friends had questioned his decision, but he stood by it.
Background
Ighalo, 37, played for clubs including Watford and Manchester United before moving to Saudi Arabia, where he became one of the best-paid African players. He was top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and has long spoken publicly about his Christian faith.
How people reacted
Opinion was divided. Many Christians praised his faith and discipline and said his success was a blessing. Others argued that giving such large sums to churches was unnecessary and that the money could do more good if given directly to people in need. Some said it was his personal choice and others should respect it.
Why it matters
Tithing is a frequent topic of debate in Nigeria, where churches play a large role in public life and some pastors have faced criticism over their wealth.
PoliticsReported
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Oba Joseph Oloyede, removed as Apetumodu of Ipetumodu after his conviction in the US for fraud, has reportedly asked an Osun High Court to stop Governor Ademola Adeleke from filling the stool. The case was adjourned to 21 January 2027.
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The deposed Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has gone to court to stop Governor Ademola Adeleke from appointing a new traditional ruler for the town.
The case
According to reports, Oloyede filed a motion at the Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife asking the court to restrain the governor and other officials from filling the stool until his main case is decided. In the application, dated 16 September 2026, he argued that he was not formally told of any wrongdoing before he was removed, and challenged the legality of his deposition. Members of a branch of the town's ruling house joined him as claimants. The defendants include the governor, the state Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, local chiefs and Ife North Local Government.
What happened in court
Proceedings stalled on Monday, 2 November, after some defendants said they had not received hearing notices. Justice Dapo Adeniji adjourned the case to 21 January 2027 and ordered that fresh notices be served.
Background
Oloyede was removed from the throne after he was convicted in the United States on charges related to tax fraud and money laundering. Governor Adeleke reportedly signed the order removing him in May 2026.
What happens next
The court will hear the case in January. Until then, it is not clear whether the state will go ahead with appointing a new monarch.
World & WestReported
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US officials say American forces carried out limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, in response to Iranian missile fire at US assets. Iranian state media reported explosions, while Iran claimed it captured two US drones.
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The United States military has reportedly carried out limited strikes on Qeshm Island, a strategic Iranian island near the Strait of Hormuz, on Monday, 2 November 2026, the eve of the US midterm elections.
What happened
According to US officials quoted in reports, the operation was a defensive response after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired surface-to-air missiles at US assets. Iranian state media confirmed several explosions on the island. Officials reportedly said it was one of a series of low-profile strikes carried out in recent weeks, kept quiet to avoid signalling a return to full-scale fighting. Separately, the IRGC claimed it had intercepted and captured two US drones south of Qeshm.
Why Qeshm matters
Qeshm is the largest island in the Persian Gulf and is said to hold Iranian anti-ship missiles, sea mines and drones in underground tunnels. Its position near the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of the world's oil passes, makes it militarily important.
Diplomacy continues
The strikes came as Qatar leads indirect talks between the two sides. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the talks as active, and on Monday Iran said it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the US met its conditions. US Vice President JD Vance reportedly said there had been progress, but warned that Iran remains unpredictable and that President Donald Trump would keep both military and diplomatic options open.
Why it matters
Oil prices rose slightly after reports of the strikes, with Brent crude trading at about $105 a barrel. Higher oil prices affect Nigeria's revenue and fuel costs around the world. The conflict between the US and Iran began on 28 February.
World & WestReported
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The US says it will remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act from 1 January 2027, accusing both of practices that break the scheme's rules. South Africa says it will support affected industries.
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The United States plans to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), its main duty-free trade programme for African countries, from 1 January 2027.
What the US said
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Monday, 2 November 2026, that President Donald Trump intends to end the two countries' participation in the scheme. According to reports, Greer said the President found that both governments were engaging in practices inconsistent with AGOA's eligibility rules, including barriers to American trade and investment and actions that threaten US security and foreign policy interests in the region.
South Africa's response
South Africa's trade ministry said it would support the sectors affected and would keep pursuing trade and investment with the United States. It said AGOA remains important but is not the whole of the economic relationship between the two countries.
What is at stake
AGOA, enacted in 2000, gives eligible African countries duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products. South Africa has been its largest beneficiary, exporting about $1.7 billion worth of goods under the scheme in 2025, mainly car parts, citrus fruit and wine. Rwanda's main exports include coffee and minerals.
Background
The Trump administration has taken a series of steps against South Africa, accusing its government of persecuting white South Africans, a claim Pretoria rejects. Nigeria remains an AGOA beneficiary, although its exports under the scheme are dominated by oil. Trade experts say the decision is a warning to other African countries that eligibility can be withdrawn.
A spokesman for Atiku Abubakar's campaign has reportedly said President Tinubu's Umrah trip will not secure his re-election, arguing that voters will judge him on the cost of living. Tinubu said he went to give thanks, as he did before the 2023 election.
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The campaign of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar says President Bola Tinubu's recent Umrah in Saudi Arabia will not guarantee him a second term.
What was said
Speaking on a television politics programme on Monday night, 2 November 2026, Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication for the ADC presidential campaign council, reportedly said political mandates cannot be won through religious display. He argued that pilgrimage should be a personal matter, not something publicised as a national event by political supporters, and said Nigerians would make their choice in 2027 based on the cost of living rather than prayers abroad. Asked whether Atiku would have joined Tinubu if invited, he said the former vice-president had supported Tinubu's earlier trips to Mecca. He also claimed Atiku was in a strong position in the North.
The President's side
Tinubu left Abuja for Makkah on 29 October. He described the trip as a chance to seek divine guidance, wisdom and resilience, and said that before the 2023 election he had performed Umrah and promised to return to give thanks if his prayers were answered. During the visit he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Kaaba, where he said he prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria. The Presidency has rejected claims that the trip was for medical reasons.
Background
The trip has drawn comment across the political spectrum. Former senator Dino Melaye challenged Tinubu to a Quran recitation contest, while Oyo governor Seyi Makinde asked the Presidency to explain the purpose of the journey. APC supporters have welcomed the visit and the honour extended by the Saudi leadership.
A video showing a Catholic priest leading his congregation in an Igbo song praising Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso's party during a Sunday service has gone viral. It adds to debate over religious leaders taking sides ahead of 2027.
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A video of a Catholic priest leading worshippers in a song backing NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has spread widely on social media.
What the video shows
In the clip, reportedly filmed during a Sunday service, the priest leads the congregation in an Igbo song saying the party of Obi and Kwankwaso is better, and the worshippers sing along. The priest's name and the location of the church have not been confirmed. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which ratified Obi as its presidential candidate in May, shared the video.
Religious leaders and politics
The video comes as religious leaders across Nigeria increasingly declare support for or against candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. According to reports, a separate bishops' conference has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, while an Islamic cleric was reported to have urged Muslims to vote along religious lines. Last week, a Catholic bishop warned politicians against trying to manipulate the electoral system, and a priest urged Nigerians to collect their voter cards instead of complaining.
How people reacted
Obi's supporters celebrated the video, while critics said churches should not be used for partisan campaigns and warned that such displays could deepen religious and ethnic divisions. Others said priests, like all citizens, are entitled to their political views.
Background
Electoral rules prohibit the use of places of worship for political campaigns, although enforcement has historically been rare. The Catholic Church has not publicly commented on the video.
Naija newsReported
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Investment banker Atedo Peterside has reportedly said the government's economic reforms are benefiting wealthier Nigerians with investments while low-income workers are worse off. He said his concern is for the more than 130 million Nigerians who are poor.
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Investment banker and IBTC founder Atedo Peterside says the Tinubu administration's economic reforms are widening the gap between rich and poor Nigerians.
What he said
Speaking in a television interview on Monday night, 2 November 2026, Peterside reportedly said that whether the reforms are working depends on who is asked. He said upper-middle-class Nigerians with investments in the stock market are probably better off than they were three years ago, while low-income workers with little savings who struggle to eat two meals a day and pay their bills are a lot worse off. He admitted that his own investment income had risen, but said his concern was for the 130 to 140 million Nigerians who are poor and getting poorer.
Background
The government removed the petrol subsidy and unified the exchange rate in 2023, moves that pushed up prices but which it says were needed to rescue the economy. Officials point to falling inflation, which dropped to 14.63 per cent in September, rising foreign reserves and a stock market that hit a record high last week. Critics say these gains have not yet reached ordinary households, many of whom still struggle with high food and transport costs.
Political debate
The state of the economy is a central issue in the 2027 campaign. Opposition candidates say the reforms have made life harder, while the government says it is cushioning the poor through cash transfers and credit schemes.
SportReported
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Tanzania's national team is reportedly arriving early in Uyo to prepare for their 2027 AFCON qualifier against the Super Eagles on Friday, 13 November. The sides meet again in Dar es Salaam four days later.
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Tanzania's national team, the Taifa Stars, are set to arrive early in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria's Super Eagles, according to reports.
The fixtures
Nigeria will host the matchday three game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13 November 2026. The two teams will meet again four days later in Dar es Salaam for the matchday four fixture.
Tanzania's preparations
Head coach Miguel Gamondi reportedly wants extra time for his players to get used to conditions in Nigeria before the game. He has named a 24-man squad split evenly between 12 home-based players and 12 who play abroad.
Background
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The Super Eagles need good results in the double-header to stay on course for the tournament. Uyo has become the Super Eagles' main home ground in recent years and is known for its passionate crowds. The confederation recently confirmed Nigerian Samson Adamu as its General Secretary and voted to return the Nations Cup to a two-year cycle.
What happens next
The Super Eagles are expected to open camp in Uyo next week, with fans looking forward to two important results.
Naija newsReported
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The federal government has reportedly opened applications for Batch C of its TVET initiative, offering free training in trades such as solar installation, plumbing and fashion design, plus a ₦30,000 monthly stipend. Applications are free on the official portal.
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The federal government has opened applications for the third batch of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, which offers free skills training and a monthly stipend, according to reports on Monday, 2 November 2026.
What is on offer
The programme, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education, provides free vocational training at accredited technical colleges, government institutions and registered private centres across the country. Participants receive ₦30,000 a month throughout their training. Trades on offer reportedly include solar installation, plumbing, fashion design and car repairs.
Two training options
Applicants can choose a six-month short-term certificate course aimed at beginners, school leavers and people without formal qualifications, or a one-year vocational education and innovation course for those with previous education or informal training in a trade.
How to apply
Applications are free and are made through the official TVET portal. No closing date has been announced, so applicants are advised to watch for official updates and to avoid anyone asking for money to register.
Background
The initiative was launched to tackle youth unemployment and the country's skills gap by training young Nigerians in practical trades that are in demand. Earlier batches attracted large numbers of applicants. The scheme is one of several government programmes aimed at easing hardship, alongside cash transfers and consumer credit.
Naija news
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Bandits ambushed a bus carrying police officers on the Sokoto–Gusau road in Zamfara State on Monday. The officers were travelling to provide security for an APC senatorial primary, and some are feared dead while others were reportedly abducted.
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Several police officers are feared dead after suspected bandits attacked a bus carrying them along the Sokoto–Gusau road in Zamfara State on Monday, 2 November 2026.
What happened
The officers were travelling in a state mass transit bus, known locally as Bazamfara, towards Gusau, the state capital. According to police sources, they were on their way to provide security for the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Zamfara North senatorial district, which was taking place in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Sources said some officers were killed in the ambush and others were abducted by the attackers. The exact number of casualties had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Official response
The spokesman for the police zone covering the area reportedly confirmed the attack, but said he was in hospital and would issue an official statement later. The identities of the victims have not been released.
Background
Zamfara is one of the states worst affected by banditry in north-west Nigeria, with frequent attacks on travellers, villages and security personnel. Police officers are often deployed to provide security at party primaries and campaign events, and several political gatherings have been attacked in recent weeks as the 2027 elections approach. In neighbouring Niger State, gunmen abducted 14 Islamiyya students and their teacher at the weekend.
Primary result
The primary went ahead despite the attack. The APC later declared Sahabi Ya'u Kaura the winner of the fresh Zamfara North senatorial primary, held after a court invalidated the earlier exercise. He reportedly polled 49,176 votes, ahead of Tijjani Kaura with 9,628 and Abdullahi Sani Shinkafi with 6,206, winning in all four local government areas.
What happens next
Security agencies are expected to launch an operation to rescue the abducted officers, and the police are expected to release casualty figures.
Naija news
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Police in Niger State say suspected bandits abducted 14 Islamiyya students and their teacher while they were harvesting maize on a farm in Rafi Local Government Area. Police corrected earlier reports that 50 pupils were taken.
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Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school and their teacher in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, police have confirmed.
What happened
The attack happened at about 12.30pm on Saturday, 31 October 2026, in Tungan-Bako village near Pandogari. According to the police, the students were helping their teacher harvest maize on his farm when armed men stormed the area and took them away.
Police statement
The spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, 2 November. He said the number of students abducted was 14, correcting earlier reports that about 50 pupils had been seized. He said a joint team of security forces had been deployed to rescue the victims and that further updates would be given.
Background
Rafi and nearby local government areas in Niger State have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years, including mass abductions from schools and villages. Kidnapping for ransom remains a serious problem across north-west and north-central Nigeria, and farmers are often targeted during the harvest season. On the same day the abduction was confirmed, bandits ambushed a bus carrying police officers in neighbouring Zamfara State.
What happens next
Families and community leaders are calling for the quick and safe release of the students.
MusicReported
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Veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has reportedly released a new music video in which he addresses Seyi Tinubu, asking him to beg his father, President Tinubu, to ease Nigerians' hardship. He also criticised the new tax law and the electoral system.
Read more
Veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has released a new song with a pointed political message for President Bola Tinubu, this time delivered through the President's son, Seyi Tinubu.
The song
In a music video posted on Instagram on Monday, 2 November 2026, Eedris reportedly addresses Seyi directly, asking him to plead with his father on behalf of Nigerians. The lyrics contrast the President's role as a good father to his own family with what the rapper describes as hardship for ordinary Nigerians. According to reports, the song also takes aim at the National Assembly over the newly passed tax law and criticises the electoral system.
Background
Eedris, best known for his 2004 hit 'Jaga Jaga', has used music to criticise Nigerian governments for more than two decades. In 2025 he released a song critical of the Tinubu government, which the broadcasting regulator restricted on air. On Monday he also denied claims that he had joined the APC, accusing Isaac Fayose of hypocrisy for saying so. Seyi Tinubu has become a visible figure in his father's re-election campaign, and the Presidency has defended the government's reforms, saying they are needed to fix the economy.
How people reacted
The video drew strong reactions online. Many fans praised the rapper for speaking up about the cost of living, while supporters of the President accused him of playing politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
What happens next
Neither Seyi Tinubu nor the Presidency had responded publicly at the time of reporting.
The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation has reportedly launched SPARK, a scheme to help Nigerians buy food, solar systems and other household goods on credit, including through a USSD code. It says over 351,000 people have accessed more than ₦53.5 billion in credit so far.
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The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), a federal government agency, has launched a new scheme called SPARK to help Nigerians buy essential goods on credit, according to reports on Monday, 2 November 2026.
What SPARK offers
The scheme is designed to let people buy items such as food, solar power systems and other household needs without paying the full amount upfront. It also aims to support Nigerian businesses and manufacturers by boosting demand for locally made goods. Reports say Nigerians will be able to access the service through a USSD code, which works on basic phones without internet access.
The numbers so far
CREDICORP says it has facilitated more than ₦53.5 billion in consumer credit for over 351,000 Nigerians since it began operations, and that women make up about 59 per cent of beneficiaries.
A loan, not a grant
Applicants are being reminded that SPARK is a loan that must be repaid, not free money. People are advised to check the official terms, use only official channels and beware of fraudsters who may pretend to offer access to the scheme for a fee.
Background
CREDICORP was set up in 2024 as part of President Tinubu's plan to make consumer credit more widely available, so that working Nigerians can buy goods such as cars, homes and appliances and pay over time. Critics have questioned how many people can afford new debt at a time of high living costs, while supporters say affordable credit can ease pressure on household budgets.
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A young boxer known as KBlaq has reportedly died after being stabbed during a fight at Olodo Garage in Ibadan on Sunday. A suspect is said to have been arrested and handed over to the police.
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A fast-rising Nigerian boxer identified as Kehinde, popularly known as KBlaq, has reportedly died after being stabbed during a fight in Ibadan, Oyo State.
What happened
According to reports on social media, the incident happened on Sunday, 1 November 2026, during a confrontation at Olodo Garage in Ibadan. He was said to have died shortly after he was attacked. The cause of the fight has not been made public.
Arrest
A suspect was reportedly arrested and handed over to the police. The Oyo State Police Command had not issued a public statement on the case at the time of reporting.
How people reacted
Friends and fans mourned the young boxer on social media and called on the police to ensure justice. Many described him as a promising talent whose career was just beginning.
What happens next
Police are expected to investigate the incident and charge the suspect in court if there is enough evidence.
Police have reportedly made an arrest in connection with the shooting of Javits Frimpong, a 15-year-old Ghanaian boy who was killed while walking to school in the Bronx, New York. Questions remain about what led to the shooting and whether others were involved.
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Police have reportedly made an arrest in connection with the tragic shooting of Javits Frimpong, a 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager who was killed in the Bronx, New York.
The development reportedly came after officers spent much of the afternoon searching for suspected gang members believed to have been involved in the incident.
What happened
Javits was shot and killed while walking to school in the Bronx last week. He had moved from Ghana about a year earlier to live with his father, Thomas Frimpong, in New York.
His father has said he believes bullying may have been behind the attack, and police have been looking into it as a possible motive.
Grief and calls for justice
The killing has caused deep grief in the Ghanaian community and beyond. Students in the Bronx staged a walkout after his death, a memorial in his honour has continued to grow, and the Ghanaian government has vowed to pursue justice for the boy.
Questions remain
Although one suspect is now reportedly in custody, several questions remain unanswered, including what exactly led to the shooting and whether other people were involved. The identity of the person reportedly arrested has not been officially confirmed.
Police investigations are expected to continue as officers try to piece together what happened and establish who was responsible.
A life cut short
For Javits Frimpong's family, no arrest can bring back the young life that has been lost. At just 15 years old, he had so much of his future ahead of him.
The hope now is that a thorough investigation will uncover the truth and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been seen kissing the Black Stone, known as Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, while performing Umrah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Photos show him at the eastern corner of the Kaaba, surrounded by security officials.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been seen kissing the sacred Black Stone, known as Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, while performing Umrah in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Photos from the visit show the President, dressed in white, leaning into the silver frame that holds the stone as Saudi security officers stand by. Another photo shows him with members of his delegation in the courtyard of the Grand Mosque.
About the Black Stone
The Black Stone sits at the eastern corner of the Kaaba, inside the Grand Mosque, and holds deep religious significance for Muslims around the world.
Kissing the stone is a practice associated with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and many pilgrims seek the chance to do so whenever they visit the holy site.
A spiritual journey
For Muslims, Umrah is a spiritual journey marked by prayer, worship and personal reflection.
The moment has also drawn attention to the religious side of Nigeria's leader as he performs one of Islam's important acts of worship.
Over to you
What are your thoughts on this moment from President Tinubu's visit to Makkah?
Abia State Governor Alex Otti says opposition parties should be allowed to use government-owned facilities in the state, including the stadium, as long as they follow due process and pay the required fees. He says he has already directed that no party be turned away because it is in opposition.
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Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has made it clear that opposition political parties should be allowed to use government-owned facilities in the state, provided they follow the proper procedures and pay the required fees.
The directive
According to the governor, he has already given instructions that no political party should be prevented from using public facilities, including the stadium, simply because it belongs to the opposition.
A message of political tolerance
Otti's position sends an important message about tolerance and fairness. Government facilities are maintained with public resources, and access to them should not depend on which party someone supports.
This is one area where Nigerian politicians need to learn to separate governance from party politics. You can disagree with your opponents and campaign against them, and still respect their right to operate within the law.
Governor Otti appears to be making that distinction clear in Abia State.
The big question
How many Nigerian governors would willingly allow opposition parties to use government facilities for their political activities?
Politics should never be an excuse to deny citizens their rights.
A Facebook video reportedly showing Ozonna Soludo, son of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, dancing to and promoting a song associated with the NDC has sparked reactions online. The NDC is linked in online discussions to Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, while Governor Soludo has reportedly been mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu.
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Nigerian politics has taken another interesting turn, and this time the attention is on the family of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
The video
A Facebook video reportedly showing Ozonna Soludo, the governor's son, dancing to and promoting a song associated with the NDC has sparked reactions online. In online discussions, the NDC has been linked to Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Father and son in different camps?
What makes the situation interesting is the apparent political contrast between father and son.
While Ozonna appears to be enjoying a song associated with a different political camp, his father, Governor Soludo, has reportedly been mobilising political stakeholders in Anambra State in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A dance is not a declaration
Dancing to a political song does not automatically mean someone has joined or endorsed a party. Ozonna has not made any confirmed political declaration through the video.
Even so, the moment has attracted attention because of his father's position. It is also a reminder that family ties do not necessarily decide political loyalty. A father may support one candidate while his son prefers another.
The big question
If Governor Soludo is backing Tinubu while his son appears to be promoting a song associated with Obi and Kwankwaso, what does that say about the changing political atmosphere ahead of 2027?
A groom in Mbaise, Imo State, has reportedly walked away from his traditional wedding after the bride's family allegedly demanded ₦1.2 million as bride price. The incident has reopened debate about the cost of traditional marriage in Nigeria.
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What was supposed to be a beautiful celebration of love reportedly took an unexpected turn in Mbaise, Imo State, after a groom allegedly walked away from his bride and their traditional wedding arrangements.
What reportedly happened
According to reports circulating online, trouble began when the bride's family demanded ₦1.2 million as bride price, a sum that reportedly did not sit well with the groom.
Rather than go ahead with the marriage under those conditions, the man allegedly called everything off, leaving the bride and both families in an embarrassing situation.
The cost of getting married
The incident has raised fresh questions about the financial demands sometimes placed on intending couples during traditional marriage ceremonies.
Some people believe families have every right to uphold their marriage customs. Others argue that excessive financial demands can discourage young people who genuinely want to settle down.
The full circumstances of the reported incident, including whether the ₦1.2 million covered only the bride price or other traditional marriage expenses as well, have not been independently confirmed, and the people involved have not been identified.
Over to you
Should a man walk away from a marriage because of expensive traditional demands, or should both families find a way to reach an agreement?